A number of years ago, the missiologist Lesslie Newbigin suggested that Western Christianity needed to listen to non-Western Christians’ critique of the manner in which it practiced Christianity. He correctly suggested that Western Christianity is laden with Western culture and blinders have formed that must be taken off. By listening to criticisms by non-Western brothers and sisters Western Christianity could learn where cultural blinders had formed and grow in a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Christianity.
To a certain degree, this can also be true of listening to religious others. By listening to the criticisms launched by other religions we can begin to identify areas where Christianity has fallen short of living the Christian life. This is what I have attempted to do in the article about what I’ve learned from the Druids.
It is at the same time a humbling and educational experience to listen to other views of the faith you hold dear. It is not to say that the perception of religious others is always correct. Nevertheless, I think that they can make a contribution by helping us understand the way in which people view Christianity. It helps us identify areas where we might not be living up to the expectations of being a disciple of Jesus Christ as well as help in identifying where we have become myopic in our expression of Christianity.
Latest comments